Niizhoziibean: Honouring our Indigenous heritage

Posted on Oct 02, 2018 by The Forks Market

In case you missed it, the South Point pathway has been officially named Niizhoziibean (phonetically pronounced Nee-zho-zhi-been) to honour our city’s Indigenous heritage and its prominent place alongside the Red and Assiniboine Rivers.

“South Point is the southernmost point of the area known collectively as The Forks, where the two rivers bring people from three directions to meet at the confluence,” said Project Advisor Niigaan Sinclair, Associate Professor Dept. of Native Studies, University of Manitoba. “Niizhoziibean, meaning two rivers in Ojibway, honours the part that the Red and Assiniboine played historically."

Elders, Clarence and Barbara Nepinak, uncovered the name during a traditional naming ceremony in August.

“Nowadays, we are re-discovering the original names of our home. Some have names we can find carried by elders or we can find in archival documents. Some we ask for from living people today,” said Sinclair. “In early 2018 elders Clarence and Barbara Nepinak were offered asemaa (tobacco) to uncover the name for the South Point path.”

“Niizhoziibean not only embodies the spirit of the traditional past of The Forks but enhances our understanding of what this place means – a collaborative space where people have been coming together to trade, grow, and make life for millennia,” said Sinclair.

Niizhoziibean is currently undergoing a refurbishment that prompted the search for its historical name. The space, set aside to honour Indigenous themes since the inception of The Forks, is intended to be a place of reflection for all visitors and a connector to other neighbourhoods via a Main Street entryway.

$1.2 million of improvements to the pathway are currently underway and will include a signature sculptural piece to be installed as a landmark and visual enhancement of the pedestrian entrance to the site from Queen Elizabeth Way.

The striking 30-foot sculptural piece will welcome visitors once they enter the site from Main Street. The piece refers to the power, love, and connection we share with our parents and where we come from.

Three artists, K.C. Adams, Jamie Isaac, and Val Vint, were chosen from a call for submissions to create pieces on the site and chose to work collaboratively to create one impactful sculpture. The artist team includes art curatorial support provided by Julie Nagam, Associate Professor and Chair Indigenous Arts of North America, University of Winnipeg / Winnipeg Art Gallery.

The $1.2M project has been made possible through support from the Canada 150 Infrastructure Program ($500,000), The Winnipeg Foundation ($500,000) and The Forks Renewal Corporation ($200,000).

“This redevelopment honours the history of this space and gives it new life,” said Dan Vandal, Member of Parliament, Saint Boniface–Saint Vital. “Its name and accompanying artwork will pay tribute to our founding nations and help us reflect on our shared path ahead.”

“The Winnipeg Foundation – through its Green Spaces Strategy – is thrilled to be part of this important development in our city,” said Richard Frost, CEO of The Winnipeg Foundation. “The rich Indigenous history of Niizhoziibean will further enhance an area that is special to all Winnipeggers. Along with the St. Boniface Belvedere, this complete loop will be a jewel in our downtown.”

“The Forks continues to be one Winnipeg’s busiest destinations and gathering places,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “This enhancement work will further celebrate The Forks’ unique history, our city’s Indigenous heritage, improve pedestrian connectivity, and help make The Forks an even more attractive destination for visitors to our city as well as our own residents.”

Niizhoziibean is part of a pedestrian loop connecting The Forks and St. Boniface and linked to the Taché Promenade redevelopment plans. The two projects reflect the vision outlined in the 20-year vision document Go to the Waterfront prepared by The Forks and endorsed by the City of Winnipeg in 2014.

“This announcement is very exciting as it builds on the 2.5 km loop which includes the Promenade Taché Enhancement and Belvedere project. The development of Niizhoziibean which will celebrate the rich Indigenous history of the area is paramount to completing this walk,” said Norm Gousseau, CEO, Entreprises Riel.

Further plans for the Niizhoziibean site redevelopment will:

preserve the existing forested South Point across the Historic Rail Bridge

improve the pathway for universal accessibility

relocate trees for a reconfigured character pathway

include a drum park ceremonial space

improve lighting

restore native plants

install interpretive elements to recognize the Indigenous history

Future phases, requiring fundraising, will include an outdoor bush gallery and boardwalk within the forest canopy.

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The Forks has been a meeting place for over 6,000 years. Situated at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, this year-round, historical landmark delights visitors with its exceptional culinary offerings, unique shopping, diverse attractions and memorable events.

The Forks Market

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